[BER25]




Key Dates

19 September 2024 - Launch Deadline
16 January - Standard Deadline
18 April - Extended Deadline
25 April - Judging
8 May - Winners Announced

Project Overview

This innovative fabric sets a new benchmark in functionality, achieving both superior moisture absorption and rapid drying capabilities. It delivers an entirely new level of comfort for children during outdoor activities and everyday wear.

Organisation

Hangzhou Ouchao Trading Co., Ltd.

Team

ASK JUNIOR

Project Brief

In the current market, many children’s clothing fabrics struggle to deliver adequate moisture-wicking and quick-drying performance, failing to meet the needs of energetic children who tend to sweat profusely. This innovative fabric stands out due to its unique fiber structure, which achieves exceptional moisture absorption and rapid drying capabilities to reduce the discomfort caused by sweating during outdoor activities and everyday wear. It ensures a consistently dry and comfortable feel, making it a high-quality fabric option for children’s apparel.

Project Innovation/Need

At the core of this breakthrough is the unique fibre structure, characterised by countless micro-pores and grooves that significantly enhance its water-absorbing properties. Moisture easily penetrates the fibres and travels rapidly along capillary channels to reach the surface. Unlike cotton, which swells and becomes heavy when saturated, these fibres remain lightweight and breathable even after absorbing moisture. By harnessing the capillary effect, the micro-capillaries within the fibre structure swiftly wick sweat and humidity away from the skin, dispersing them outward for quick evaporation.

This ensures a consistently dry, comfortable feel. Thanks to its outstanding moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, the fabric is ideal for outdoor sports apparel, such as cycling jerseys, basketball uniforms, or any sportswear designed to handle intense perspiration. Additionally, cooling materials can be integrated into the fabric, providing extra refreshment to keep children comfortable even during their most energetic moments.

To guarantee superior quality and performance, the fabric is meticulously woven using high-precision computerised jacquard looms imported from Germany. This advanced process ensures clear patterns and vibrant colours, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Design Challenge

During production, one potential challenge was the instability of the fibre structure, which could hinder the fabric’s moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. To address this, the design team meticulously optimised both the fibre formulation and production techniques, incorporating advanced spinning technology to ensure the fibres maintained their structural integrity. Alongside this, extensive testing and experimentation were carried out to rigorously monitor and fine-tune the fibres’ performance, ensuring the fabric’s high quality.

Integrating cooling materials into the quick-drying fabric presented another challenge: ensuring compatibility between the two components. Any mismatch could lead to issues like material delamination or diminished performance. To solve this problem, the design team carefully evaluated and refined cooling materials, selecting those that paired seamlessly with the quick-drying fibres. A specialised composite process was then used to evenly distribute the cooling materials throughout the fibres, creating a strong and cohesive blend. This result is a refreshing cooling effect without sacrificing moisture-wicking and quick-drying capabilities.

Sustainability

The fabric’s remarkable ability to wick moisture and dry quickly can significantly reduce skin irritation and discomfort, such as heat rashes, eczema, or other pesky conditions that children often experience due to sweating. When combined with cooling materials, the fabric offers a refreshing sensation even on sweltering days, lowering the risk of heatstroke and providing an additional layer of health protection.

This innovative fabric is set to revolutionise the children’s clothing market. Its excellent performance in sweat absorption, rapid drying, and overall comfort is sure to appeal to discerning parents who prioritise both functionality and well-being for their active little ones. Beyond meeting consumer demands, it also drives industry transformation, pushing children’s clothing design toward a new standard where practicality and comfort are seamlessly integrated.

The production process prioritises environmental protection and sustainability. The use of eco-friendly fibres and techniques minimises environmental impact. Moreover, the fabric’s durability and recyclability help reduce waste, solidifying its role in advancing the textile industry toward a greener future.




Exemplary textiles and materials that have low consumed energy, low water use and low waste - aka Eco-Textiles. Over the coming 3 years we'll be furthering our Eco-Textile standards - be part of the evolving standard by nominating your innovations.
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